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Multiple Sclerosis report

New figures show nearly half of people in Wales with a disability believe they aren't treated equally because of their condition.

And it seems they might be right, because a shocking new report by the Multiple Sclerosis Society has found 10% of people in Wales think disabled people need to accept they cannot have the same opportunities in life as non-disabled people. Their statistics also show that 18% of people believe disabled people often exaggerate the extent of their physical limitations. Multiple Sclerosis Society also found.

Gareth Binsale from Marshfield isn't surprised by the findings. Gareth has Multiple Sclerosis and has experienced negative reactions from people. He says "Even though they don't say anything you can see their faces and know their opinion of you. It's quite upsetting and irritating as well because you want to sit down with them and tell them about the disease".

Even though they don't say anything you can see their faces and know their opinion of you. It's quite upsetting and irritating as well because you want to sit down with them and tell them about the disease

– Gareth Binsale

That's why the Multiple Sclerosis Society is trying to change people's perceptions. Judi Rhys, Director of MS Society Cymru, says "Because it's poorly understood, living with MS can turn a simple shopping trip or social event into an ordeal - where strange looks and hurtful remarks can all be part of daily life. Yet people with MS have the same aspirations as anyone else. Most want loving relationships, an active social life and a successful career - and they can have this, given the right support and understanding. Of course MS presents many challenges, but society can place further unnecessary barriers in the way of people with MS, making it harder than it needs to be to live a full life."

People with MS have the same aspirations as anyone else. Most want loving relationships, an active social life and a successful career - and they can have this, given the right support and understanding.

– Judi Rhys, MS Society Cymru

This week the MS Society has launched an appeal to raise £500,000 to fund better treatments and support for people with MS, to help them fight back against the condition.